- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- May God Give You Peace And Rest In Your Heart
David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
Download
Topics
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson shares powerful testimonies of miraculous transformations, emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God's ability to change lives. He recounts the story of a mother whose prayers for her son, who fell into sin and despair, were answered when he miraculously found salvation after a near-fatal accident. Additionally, he highlights a young boy's boldness in praying at school, which led to the establishment of Bible classes, showcasing how God uses even the most unlikely individuals for His glory. Wilkerson also shares a poignant letter from a reformed school shooter, illustrating the profound impact of God's grace and redemption. Through these stories, he affirms that God is still in the business of performing miracles today.
Scriptures
May God Give You Peace and Rest in Your Heart
I believe in miracles! There is a mother in our church choir who has been praying for her son for years. He had fallen deep into sin as a teenager. She prayed, “God, whatever it takes, save him.” Instead of turning to Christ, he became a Muslim. For the next seven years, he buried himself in that devilish doctrine. But his mother kept praying. Islam sent the boy into a deep depression. In his awful despair, he jumped from a six-story building, hoping to kill himself. Instead, he landed on his feet, crushing a number of bones – and he survived. Last Sunday, he limped onto our stage and told how Jesus Christ miraculously saved him. His mother sat in the choir, praising God and remembering her many tears and hours in prayer. God heard her cry. Thank God for miracles today! A teenage boy in our church spoke of praying that God would use him in his high school, which is located near Ground Zero and the demolished Twin Towers. He and a friend began to stand outside the school every day, praying out loud. Some mocked them, but others began to join them. It led to the school permitting them to conduct Bible classes in the school. The young man is so overjoyed, and now some teachers are attending. He said, “Can you imagine God using a scared, little nobody like me? God still does miracles.” Thank God, he is still the miracle worker! A young man in prison wrote us a letter that moved me deeply. Talk about miracles! Here is what he wrote, word for word: “David, I receive your sermons through the mail. I am one of the school shooters. I’m the one they blame for starting it all off. On October 1, 1997, I went into Pearl High School and killed two students and wounded seven. I also killed my mother before this. After I came to jail I got saved. If there is any way that I can help your ministry, I would love to. Maybe I could give you my testimony. I’ll do anything to help. I look forward to your sermons each month…” Yes, I believe in miracles!
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.